The Seeds of Jealousy: Family Hatred and a Special Gift

The story of Joseph, spanning Genesis chapters 37–50, is a detailed, continuous narrative. The conflict is rooted in the fractured family of Jacob (now called Israel), who deeply favored Joseph, the firstborn son of his beloved wife, Rachel.

• The Coat of Favor: Jacob gave Joseph a unique, ornate "coat of many colors" (or a long-sleeved robe), which was a symbol of Jacob's love and, more importantly, a sign that Joseph was being chosen for the inheritance of the firstborn over his older half-brothers. This gift immediately ignited the brothers' deep-seated resentment: “they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.” (Genesis 37:4)

• The Provocative Dreams: Joseph further fueled their hatred by sharing two prophetic dreams: in the first, his brothers' sheaves of wheat bowed down to his sheaf; in the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. These dreams predicted Joseph’s future authority over his entire family, confirming that God had a special, powerful plan for him.

I. The Act of Betrayal

The brothers eventually found an opportunity to act on their hatred. When Joseph went out into the field to check on them, they saw him coming and immediately plotted his murder.

• The Initial Plot: The brothers decided to kill Joseph and throw him into a pit, lying to their father that a wild animal had devoured him. They exclaimed, "Come now, let us kill him... and we shall see what will become of his dreams!" (Genesis 37:20) This showed their explicit rebellion against God’s revealed plan for Joseph.

• The Merciful Intervention: Reuben, the eldest, secretly planned to save Joseph later, so he convinced the others to throw him into a dry pit instead of shedding his blood. However, while Reuben was absent, Judah convinced the rest to profit from the situation.

• The Sale into Slavery: Instead of killing him, they pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to a passing caravan of Ishmaelite traders heading to Egypt. They then took Joseph's coat, dipped it in goat's blood, and presented it to Jacob, allowing their father to conclude that Joseph was dead.

II. The Immediate Consequences

The immediate results were devastating:

• Jacob's Grief: Jacob was consumed by inconsolable grief, believing his beloved son was dead. The deception caused him years of anguish.

• Joseph's Suffering: Joseph was ripped from his home, taken to a foreign land, and sold as a slave—a devastating reversal of his privileged status.

• The Brothers' Guilt: Although they profited initially, the brothers were haunted by their collective guilt, which surfaces later in the story.

III. The Hidden Hand of God

Despite the profound human wickedness, the narrative confirms that God's plan was not derailed. The very act of betrayal—selling Joseph into Egypt—was the necessary step for God to place Joseph in a position of power. This suffering was the path God used to transform Joseph from a naive dreamer into a wise, humble leader who could later save his family.

Applying the Truth Today

The beginning of the Joseph story powerfully teaches us about God's sovereignty—the truth that God is in complete control and can weave even the deepest human sin and suffering into a thread of divine good.

When we face betrayal, jealousy, or hardship, we must remember that our lives, like Joseph’s, are ultimately under the control of a God who has a greater, saving purpose. This initial betrayal is what ultimately prepares Joseph to later say to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Jealousy's Power. Have you ever seen the sin of jealousy (like the brothers') destroy a relationship or lead to harmful actions? What steps can you take to identify and confess jealousy in your own heart?

2. Sovereignty in Suffering. Joseph was sold into slavery. When you face an unfair or painful situation, how does knowing that "God meant it for good" bring you comfort and strength?

3. The Folly of Rebellion. The brothers tried to thwart Joseph's dreams. How does this story confirm that it is impossible to overturn God's revealed will or plan for your life?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp the nature of the rivalry, read Genesis 37:3–8. Next, read the cruel plot and the ultimate sale into slavery in Genesis 37:18–28. Finally, focus on the immediate grief caused by the deception in Genesis 37:31–35.